The Real Cost of Moving Abroad: Lessons from Emigreat’s CEO

Why We Need to Talk About the Real Cost of Moving Abroad

For many Americans dreaming of a slower pace, a new culture, or a better work-life balance, moving abroad represents freedom. But behind the dream is a reality few talk about: the financial, emotional, and logistical costs that come with uprooting your life.

In this episode of Passport to Wealth™, Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA, sat down with Saaya Sorrells-Weatherford, CEO and Co-Founder of Emigreat, to explore what it truly takes to build a life, and a business across borders. Saaya’s story is one of courage, creativity, and clarity, showing that while global living can be deeply rewarding, it’s rarely simple.

The Financial and Emotional Cost of Relocation

Moving abroad involves far more than packing boxes and booking flights. Saaya shared that the true cost isn’t just measured in money—it’s also time, energy, and emotional capacity.

“You think you’re prepared until the paperwork starts piling up. Every country, every visa, every form is different,” she said. “That friction is exactly what inspired Emigreat, to make global mobility less intimidating and more human.”

From visa fees and housing deposits to unexpected delays, even the best-planned moves come with surprises. Saaya emphasizes financial readiness and mental flexibility as the two most valuable assets for any expat.

Why Emigreat Was Born

Saaya’s inspiration for Emigreat came directly from her own frustration navigating Sweden’s relocation process. The bureaucracy, lack of transparency, and fragmented systems left her wondering... why isn’t this easier?

“Talent is global, but the systems we use to move people are still local,” Saaya explained. “If we can make cross-border work simpler, we open the world to more opportunity.”

Emigreat bridges that gap by helping companies and individuals manage visas, compliance, and global mobility documentation through one intuitive platform. It’s a mission-driven startup redefining how the world moves.

Innovation Meets Empathy

While many global tech solutions focus on speed and automation, Saaya’s approach stands out for its human-centered design. She believes that empathy is the missing ingredient in global mobility.

“It’s not just about paperwork it’s about people. Behind every visa, there’s a person trying to start a new life.”

By combining her background in tech with her expat experience, Saaya ensures Emigreat balances compliance and compassion, helping companies better support globally mobile employees.

How to Prepare for Life Abroad

For aspiring expats, Saaya shared practical and emotional lessons that can make or break an international move:

• Budget beyond the plane ticket. Include visa costs, housing, and delayed income.
• Understand the tax systems. U.S. citizens abroad must still file U.S. taxes.
• Invest in community early. Social support is your strongest stability anchor.
• Treat relocation like a startup. Test, iterate, and refine your plans.

“Every move abroad is a business case for your life,” she said. “When you approach it strategically, you give yourself the best chance to succeed.”

Connect with Our Guest

Saaya Sorrells-Weatherford is the CEO and Co-Founder of Emigreat, a global mobility startup based in Sweden that helps companies and individuals manage international relocation with transparency and ease. 

More About the Author

Arielle Tucker, CFP®, EA is the host of Passport to Wealth™ and a financial planner helping Americans create lives of freedom and purpose abroad. Combining real-world expat experience with expert financial guidance, Arielle helps globally minded professionals thrive overseas.

Follow Arielle on LinkedIn or visit Passport to Wealth for more insights and episodes.